Make your holiday meals unforgettable with this easy homemade cranberry sauce recipe! Featuring fresh or frozen cranberries, this sauce is sweetened to perfection with sugar, honey, or maple syrup and simmered until irresistibly thick and flavorful. It’s the ultimate addition to Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts, pairing beautifully with turkey, ham, or your favorite sides.

Perfect for meal prep, this quick cranberry sauce can be made ahead of time, saving you stress during the holidays. Customize with orange zest, warm spices, or even add fruits like apples or pears for a unique twist. Whether served as a traditional side, dessert topping, or glaze for meats, this simple cranberry sauce is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or 3/4 cup honey or maple syrup, plus more to taste)
- 3/4 cup water (preferably filtered)
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large saucepan, combine sugar (or honey or maple syrup) and water. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Cook the Cranberries: Add the cranberries to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally. Cook until most of the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 12–15 minutes.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce and add more honey, maple syrup, or sugar if needed to balance the tartness.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use.
Tips
- Thicker Sauce: For a thicker consistency, simmer the sauce a little longer or mash some of the cranberries with the back of a spoon.
- Sweeter Flavor: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add an extra 2–3 tablespoons of sweetener.
- Fresh vs. Frozen: Both fresh and frozen cranberries work well, but frozen cranberries may take slightly longer to cook.
Variations and Substitutions
- Citrus Twist: Add the zest and juice of an orange for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Spiced Version: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ground ginger for a warm, spiced aroma.
- Nutty Additions: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the sauce before serving for added texture.
- Fruit Mix: Combine cranberries with chopped apples, pears, or blueberries for a unique flavor combination.
FAQs
Can I make cranberry sauce in advance?
Yes! Cranberry sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze cranberry sauce?
Absolutely. Allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
What if my sauce is too runny?
Continue simmering the sauce until it reaches your desired thickness, or mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water and stir it into the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Thanksgiving Side Dish: A must-have for your holiday table alongside turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes.
- Spread: Use as a topping for toast, muffins, or bagels for a tangy breakfast.
- Dessert Sauce: Drizzle over cheesecake, ice cream, or pancakes for a sweet-tart touch.
- Meat Glaze: Brush over roasted chicken, pork, or ham for a flavorful glaze.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with just three pantry staples.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
- Customizable: Sweeten or spice it up to suit your taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for stress-free holiday prep.
Enjoy this easy cranberry sauce recipe that combines simplicity with a burst of tangy flavor!
Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe
8
servings5
minutes20
minutesIngredients
1 cup granulated sugar (or 3/4 cup honey or maple syrup, plus more to taste)
3/4 cup water (preferably filtered)
12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
Directions
- Prepare the Base: In a large saucepan, combine sugar (or honey or maple syrup) and water. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Cook the Cranberries: Add the cranberries to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally. Cook until most of the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 12–15 minutes.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce and add more honey, maple syrup, or sugar if needed to balance the tartness.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use.
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